[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1826]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MASTER SERGEANT LARRY PERRY

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize MSG Larry Perry of 
Bruce, SD, who was recently awarded the Purple Heart Medal at Camp 
Clark in Afghanistan for injuries he incurred while on patrol.
  Master Sergeant Perry is married and has two sons. He has served with 
the National Guard for more than 18 years. He is a member of the 147th 
Field Artillery Brigade of the South Dakota Army National Guard and is 
currently the 203rd Regional Corps Assistance Group, RCAG, 1st Brigade 
Motor Officer. Master Sergeant Perry's service in Afghanistan is part 
of the efforts to train and mentor members of the newly organized 
Afghan National Army. The brigade trains Afghani soldiers in areas such 
as intelligence, communications, logistics, maintenance, military 
operations, and leadership skills. These necessary skills are allowing 
the Afghan National Army to operate independently as a professional 
force to curb terrorist attacks, provide safety and security for its 
citizens, and participate as an important ally in the war on terror.
  On the morning of September 25, 2006, Master Sergeant Perry was 
serving as a gunner in the turret of a Humvee in Khowst Province when a 
suicide car bomb exploded alongside his convoy. The explosion sent 
shrapnel into his shoulder, and he suffered burns to his face and neck.
  Master Sergeant Perry and his fellow soldiers face such dangers every 
day, and their willingness to put themselves in harm's way for the 
American and Afghani people is truly humbling. I, along with the 
citizens of South Dakota and the entire United States, owe Master 
Sergeant Perry a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay. 
We honor Master Sergeant Perry for his patriotism, bravery, and 
selflessness, and we applaud his courage in the face of danger.

                          ____________________